Where candidates stand: Should city views get more protection?

Oct. 8, 2011

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The city of Cincinnati has been considering for years new rules that would protect some views from obstruction by development.

This week's question pertains to a proposed ordinance that would add height and other restrictions to 467 properties around the city that have views: "Would you support the proposed Public View Overlay Ordinance, designed to protect views from 50 spots throughout the city? It would require developers to lower the heights of new buildings in some riverfront and hillside spots."

We asked readers for questions, and this one was suggested by Eric Russo, executive director of The Hillside Trust, a nonprofit organization that advocates "thoughtful use of our hillsides." But some developers and property owners fear the proposal could hinder development the city badly needs.

The ordinance came out of a 2007 study the city paid the Hillside Trust and an architectural firm to conduct. City Council approved the study's findings and recommendations in 2009. Last year, the planning commission approved a draft of the proposed ordinance, which was written by the city's planning and building department.

Of 9,360 parcels in the city's hillside zoning areas, Russo said, 467 would be affected by the ordinance. Of those, 318 are private parcels and 149 are public.

Russo is pushing for majority support of the ordinance but needs one more vote to get there. He's reluctant to push for a hearing until he's certain it would pass. He has support now from Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls and council members Laure Quinlivan, Cecil Thomas and Wendell Young, council's Democrats.

Should city views get more protection?

Mike Allen: Part of what makes our city is its topography and the great views that come with it, so I think it's a good idea to protect some of those views.

Kathy Atkinson: I believe that valued public views will be preserved/protected when neighborhoods get engaged in the form-based code charrette process that will be introduced to communities in 2012 as part of the development of a comprehensive plan for the city. When the form of any development is defined within the context of the surrounding area, buildings will be fitted into an area in such a manner as to preserve the integrity.

Chris Bortz: I support the Hillside Trust's efforts to purchase private property to protect the beautiful views from Cincinnati's hillsides, but I do not support government intrusion through the use of overlay zoning on private property rights without fair compensation.

Kevin Flynn: One of Cincinnati's great attributes is its views, but the proposed Public View Ordinance is not the way to protect those views - the boundaries of the properties adversely impacted by the ordinance are hard to determine, and the ordinance will expose the city to having to pay damages to affected property owners for the taking of their air rights.

Leslie Ghiz: She has said existing zoning ordinances provide enough protection and she doesn't want to add red tape for developers.

Nicholas Hollan: I would gladly support legislation to protect the grand views of our river and urban architecture so that they may be enjoyed by everyone.

Wayne Lippert: Our city has been blessed with scenic views, and I do not want to see them adversely impacted, but we need to ensure the overlay ordinance provides an adequate balance between development and the protection of our most valuable resources.

Pat McCollum: It is important for City Council to support and preserve the scenic views of our river and city. This is a part of our development, and it is a great asset and increases revenue in the city.

Catherine Smith Mills: Did not answer

Amy Murray: It is vital that we protect our hillsides and the wonderful views they provide our citizens. We are in the process of studying this issue, as there are currently other ordinances on the books that address this matter.

Sandra Queen Noble: Skylines can make for beautiful sight-seeing if developers knew what to do.

Roxanne Qualls: Yes, I support the Public View Overlay Ordinance.

Laure Quinlivan: Yes, I support the ordinance that protects the public view of our great city and river.

Jason Riveiro: I support this ordinance - our hillsides and views, like our river, are an asset. City government has a role in protecting our views so that future generations can enjoy them as well.

Chris Seelbach: Yes, while working for former Vice Mayor David Crowley, I helped him work to protect our Public View Corridors. I look forward to continuing that fight once on council.

Yvette Simpson: Did not answer

P.G. Sittenfeld: Yes, I support such an ordinance - Cincinnati is a unique and beautiful city because of our stunning views, which must be preserved and protected. You can be pro-development and pro-preservation, and I am both.

Christopher Smitherman: Yes

Cecil Thomas: Yes, I support protecting our view corridors.

Charlie Winburn: I'm always open to hearing all sides of important issues that affect our city. In regards to the Public View Overlays, I'm generally opposed to over-restrictive zoning ordinances that take away rights of property owners.

Wendell Young: I believe Cincinnati's hillsides and views are valuable, unique assets that contribute significantly to making our city a great place to live. We must be conscientious in planning and developing these areas to preserve what makes them valuable while also promoting economic development, which is why I support the public view ordinance.